<p>How does the Chemical Engineering in WPI comparing to it in UIUC?</p>
<p>From the ranking of the two schools in ChemE, it seems that UIUC is way better + the reputation. However, I have no idea how good exactly WPI is in ChemE, and I’m curious to know as well (I’m ChemE too).</p>
<p>I’m a chemical engineer here at WPI, so feel free to throw up any other questions you might have about the program here. </p>
<p>UIUC is no question a better school in terms of overall reputation. Like most any public institution the professors are there for principally research, so don’t expect much individual attention like you might receive at WPI. I’m unsure of the specific coursework and rigor of their classes, but I would imagine theirs is slightly tougher. If you are looking to get some research/lab experience I’d have to imagine WPI provides the better opportunity there. </p>
<p>I know WPI holds good relations with companies such as Exxon Mobil and Dow Chemical. The same is probably true at UIUC but with different companies. Good grades in either program can result in very good employment opportunities after college. I’d urge you to consider athletics, vincinity, extracurriculars, distance from home, etc. also, because in the end your grades will suffer if you aren’t in a desirable environment.</p>
<p>thank you dynamitekicker. Could you please talk a bit about how do you find the academics at WPI. How’s the work load? Are there similar exams to those students see at MIT for example? and any details you’d like to share with us. Thanks again bro.</p>
<p>The workload is quite manageable her at WPI. It can really vary based on the weeks though.</p>
<p>I can really only compare it to the University of Michigan. In comparison both the exams and homework were easier by a considerable margin. The biggest difference I see is the amount of required work assigned is far greater at UofM. If I had to guess MIT’s exams have averages in the 50’s-60’s unlike at WPI where they typically fall in the mid 70’s. The two are just totally different in terms of their overall environment (competition vs. collaboration).</p>
<p>Do you like wpi for chemical engineering?</p>
<p>Like I said I don’t have much to compare it to. My course sizes have been a larger than I would have liked, however the professors are very accommodating to meeting outside of class.</p>
<p>I personally love the non-competitive environment in the chemical engineering department, because it is so much less mentally straining. If you meet the desired learning objectives they award you with a reasonable grade. Overall the courses are well composed with project and homework paired together to reach learning objectives.</p>
<p>In hindsight, I might have chosen another major that would have afforded me greater course flexibility and the ability to complete a double major easier. Despite its small size it does offer graduates very good employment opportunities.</p>